What does "chute" mean?

A "chute" is a channel or long rut that is used to move things from a higher plane to a lower plane. A chute can also be a water slide.

The word "chute" originated from a French word meaning "to fall." The word can also be an abbreviation for parachute. Chutes are used in such applications as moving trash from one level of a building to another or for moving packages and products around on a manufacturing floor. They are also designed for applications such as quickly disembarking people from airplanes or removing people from tall buildings in an emergency.